Let God Turn Your Fears into Faith 08-22-10 Guest Speaker Glenn Kaiser

There are many things that keep us from walking in the freedom that God has purchased for us.  For many it may be fear, discouragement, pride or even doubt.  The story of Gideon is a clear example of someone who had to face his fears and trust God entirely.  Our greatest victories come from a heart that will yield to the purposes of a faithful God. 

Let God Turn Your Fear Into Faith 

Judges chapter 6 and 7 

I.  Gideon’s circumstances

            A.  When God speaks, He has complete command and control of a situation.

                        1….. you mighty man of valor”.

            B.  Blamed God for the condition of Israel. (Judges 6:13)

            C.  Saw himself as weak based on his family and his position (6:15).

            D.  God is setting into the motion the deliverance of Israel.

II.  Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon.

            A.  He is the main character, the leading role

            B.  “But” means regardless, despite

            C.  Blew the trumpet to gather Israel.

III.  Gideon doubts God’s promise to him

            A.  Questioned God’s intentions and promises

                        1.  forgot God said “mighty man of valor”

                        2.  “go in this might of yours”

                        3. “surely I will be you and you will defeat the Midianites”

            B.  Gideon heard what God had said at the threshing floor.

                        1.  Saw God face to face.

                        2. Saw God was trustworthy by empowering Gideon to

                            demonstrate mighty acts of courage.

            C.  Gideon saw people as big and God as small.

            D.  Have we ever reacted this way?

            E.  Difference between the Gifts of the Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit.

                                    1.  Gideon was gifted by the Spirit (tore down the altar, rallied the

                                        men), but he needed the fruit of the Spirit to anchor him.

                                    2.  Saul was a gifted man but the gift could not ground him.

                                         Ex. made the sacrifice without Samuel

IV.  Gideon seeks a sign.

            A.  God’s spoken word is not enough for Gideon

                        1.  The mercy of God

            B.  Gideon seeks yet another sign

                        1.  The fleece test—They do not impart faith

                        2.  His fleeces represent dishonesty and manipulation

            C.  Gideon is unwilling to do what he knows God wants him to do.

            D.  The problem was not in the will of God but in the will of Gideon 

How do the experience of Gideon relate to us as believers?

V.  4 important points for turning fear into faith

            A.  Recognize when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon you, expect something

                  Great to happen.

                        1. Examples in Judges 3:10, 11:29 13:25

                        2.  Ezek 11:5

                        3.  Micah 3:8

                                    i.  The Spirit of the Lord shows up with the purpose of His will

                                         being fulfilled.

                                    ii.  What happens when that same Spirit resides in us?

            B.  Recognize that God will leave no room for our pride to take credit for

                 His mighty works.

                        1.  Expect it to be difficult

                        2.  We are not co-leaders with the Lord

            C.  Recognize that we are weak.

                        1.  God humbles Gideon with a double reduction in troops.

                                    i.  Gideon sees no hope in himself or his men

                                    ii.  Gideon recognizes that he hasn’t got what it takes.

                        2.  Apart from the complete reliance on Spirit of the Lord, we couldn’t

                             Last a moment in the spiritual realm.

                        3.  God wants us to rely on Him alone.  This is faith.

                        4.  II Cor 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you.  For my strength is made

                             Perfect in weakness”.

                        5.  Paul said in II Cor 12:10 “when I am weak, then I am strong”.

            D.  Be willing to confess our fears before the Lord

                        1.  H.S. bring us to this point if we choose to humble ourselves.                                                     .  James 4:10 “Humble yourselves……and He will lift you up…”

                        2.  God gives Gideon a true sign of His faithfulness.

                                    i.  Gideon goes down into the camp of the Midianites.

                        3.  Hebrews 11:32-33 ….who through faith subdued kingdoms…”

                        4.  What are God’s signs to us that He is faithful?

                                    i.  The empty grave and His resurrection

                                    ii.  Our baptism; a sign and seal of His promise of newness of life

                                    iii.  The Holy Spirit—Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when

                                           the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

            Questions:  What has God spoken for you to do that you are fearful of ?